"Hey!" Hermione smiled sweetly at Fleur as they walked into the Great Hall hand in hand.
"'i, mon Ange" Gods she loved that pet name!
"How was the class slash lecture?" Hermione asked, after giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Uh, nothing out of normal… Most of zem got excited and zen terrified zat we are 'unting zee rogue Death Eaters." She chuckled a little, clearly thinking about their faces.
"Uhm…" Hermione caught herself releasing Fleur's hand and holding her closer, by her waist. When the hell had she became so possessive? She got out of her own head when she felt the blonde chuckle a little and her hand on her shoulder. "Oh! Your grandmére answered. Yuna arrived earlier." Fleur nodded.
"Want to go zrough eet after dinner?"
"Sure!"
The meal went on as usual. Actually, Hermione noticed Luna was a little more loony than usual. Knowing the reason, she didn't bother asking. It was quite cute watching the girl realize her own feelings. She could obviously relate to Luna, as apparently everyone noticed her feeling towards Fleur before herself (and Fleur). They went up, to the tower, together.
"You will come back down after seeing the mail?" Harry asked.
"Uh… No idea." Hermione looked at her girlfriend, who shrugged. "Maybe… You plan on sleeping already?"
"I don't. To be honest I'm completely awake…" He answered.
"Me too… I might start the homework." Luna intervened, pointing at the four neatly piled stacks that clearly were for them. Ginny simply nodded.
"Right… Uhm, we will let you guys know eef we will come back or not when we are finished." Fleur offered, to which they agreed.
The couple went to the room, Hermione was absolutely curious to know what the verdict was and she was able to tell Fleur was too. The blonde followed her into the room and sat by her side on the bed after closing the door. Hermione was leaning on the bedrest and was fumbling with her book-bag, honestly, she was actually surprised with how many things were inside of it.
"If science doubted that black holes exist, I have the proof right here!" She deadpanned slightly annoyed, making Fleur chuckle. "Really how do I ever find anything here?"
"Summoning spell?" The blonde smiled.
"Right. Accio package!" The mail landed on her lap, Fleur looked at her amused. "Excuse me, raised muggle! I have the right to forget about magic sometimes!"
"Bien sûr, ma belle!" The blonde laughed, kissing her softly. "Luckily you haven't during the war…"
"I almost did." Fleur raised an eyebrow at it. "After we broke into the ministry, disguised by polyjuice, I side-along apparated with Harry and Ron but we were followed so I had to apparate again, Ron splinched and I tried to find dittany by hand…" She chuckled at the memory even it being a bit tense.
"Eet serves 'im right. " Fleur said bitterly.
"Fleur!"
"What, 'ermione? You can't expect me to forget about eet."
"But I can expect you not to wish bad for him!"
"He 'urt you, ma belle."
"Unintentionally."
"But did."
"Ok. It won't do us any good to discuss this. Remember your promise to me. And please let ME deal with that arse."
"Fine. But I'm not 'appy with eet."
Hermione nodded and resumed to analyze the package. Fleur moved on the bed so she was beside the brunette, her head resting on her shoulder.
"I wonder what she found out..."
"Only one way to find out, mon ange."
"Right." Hermione tore the wrapping paper in one swift move. Fleur chuckled at her eagerness and kissed her cheek to make the frown on her face go away (it appeared when she noticed the blonde was actually laughing at her). Their focus again on the mail, they noticed a rather stuffed envelope tied to a notebook (which seemed to be a new one) and another envelope (this was a lot thinner) at loose. They were all laying on Hermione's lap.
"Zis one first, I guess," Fleur said picking up the solo envelope and opening it. Hermione forced herself to release the breath she didn't realize (until then) she was holding. "'ow ees eet for you?" the blonde asked, showing her the letter.
"Uhm, perfect English. Why?" she asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"Eet's in French for me."
"How is that possible?" Hermione sensed her own curiosity picking up and Fleur's smugness was obvious.
"Grandmère came out with zis spell during zee first Wizarding War zat 'elped us, veelas, surviving. Zere are some veela clans 'ere in zee UK, as you already know. Veelas fought Voldemort in more fronts zan ees known. All zee intell was made possible to be passed zrough because of zis spell." Hermione couldn't help but smile at the French's broad proud-full grin. "Zee spell works in a way zat zee correct message ees only displayed to a veela or-"
"To a veela's mated mate."
"Oui. To any other person, eet appears to be gibberish. And, depending on eets contents, zee caster could restrict zee receiver of zee message. Usually to one specific veela and zeir mate. And whatever was written in eet appears in the reader's first language."
"That's genius, Fleur!"
"I guess she wanted to test eet, given what we wrote to 'er..." With that, they fell silent, reading the meticulously ornamented (absolutely beautiful) handwriting.
Dear Girls,
I'll begin this first letter with small talk since I really wish to know how you both are and Appoline is bugging me to ask you when you will come to France. Anyhow, we are all fine here. Appoline and Armand are anxious to get to know Hermione once you come. Gabrielle is being her insufferable self in school, as usual. Madam Maxine has complained a little about her. But Gabrielle continues to be first in class, obviously. I'm absolutely delighted to have Hermione in the family. Apolline says you are invited to come during Christmas holidays (meaning all of you, friends and family) as she wants to know everyone. We will go to the winter house. Owl us as soon as you decide when you are coming.
Now, I'm aware you must be curious about my answer to all of your questions. I had to make some research as what you have is quite rare. After reading what you wrote to me, I was curious to know how my spell would work on Hermione so obviously I casted it here as a test. I trust Fleur will explain to you it's history, Hermione. Once you are here we can discuss its mechanics if you wish to do so. The envelope attached to the notebook I sent you carries every note I made during my research. The notebook is actually a gift from Armand, he says he would like very much to discuss your bond with you and kindly ask you to write everything you notice as something bounding-like. I might have to agree with the writing thing. We have no history (as far as I know) of it in our family and the families that have, simply have little to nothing registered. I understand it is very personal but if it is possible, write as much as you can. Every record I found describing a bond similar to yours has at least 300 years, one more recent would certainly be welcomed. It is perfectly acceptable if you wish to keep it to yourselves.
My dears, what you have is very unique and very strong cherish it.
I hope my notes are able to help you someway but as far as I have read it is indeed unique for each couple. If you need to discuss anything else feel free to reach out.
Love,
your grandma,
Isabelle.
Hermione shuffled a little. As far as she had understood from the veela's letter, they had almost no research material. And it was quite obvious, being the other envelope their only source and apparently, it held every source found by the Delacour Matriarch. She hated having so little to know. And even worse, their bond could go to a completely different direction from the ones registered.
"Merlin's beard!" Hermione started freaking out as soon as her brain registered all the information.
"'ermione, breathe. I know you don't like eet but we at least 'ave each ozer." Fleur said, nuzzling her and holding her close. The brunette couldn't help but smile at her girlfriend and nod.
"Sorry…"
"Don't apologize, mon Ange. Don't ever apologize for being yourself." The blonde held her in between her legs so she was yet closer than before and kissed her neck lightly. The younger witch felt herself melt in her arms, knowing only she could be able to calm her down so quickly and effortlessly. Even without the soothing thrall. "Do you wish to go over grandmère's research or start writing?"
"I think we should read Isabelle's research, so we will know what to write, no?"
"Excellent idea, as always,"
Hermione felt her cheeks get warmer with the praise and smiled after kissing the blonde's cheek. "And you might start calling 'er grandmère…" Fleur chuckled as Hermione's eyes got wide open.
"But…"
"No, but, chére. You are my mate, 'ermione. You are part of zee family and grandmère won't accept any other way." Fleur smiled at the brunette dumbfounded expression. "Eet's better eef you get used to eet. Maman will probably tell you zee same and make you call her mom. I zink she always dreamed to be able to do so ever since she found out she was pregnant…"
"Uhm…" Hermione could only nod. She had been absolutely nervous about getting to know the infamous Delacours, that new information got to her nerves and made it worse. What if they hated her? Or thought she wasn't fit to being Fleur's wife? Wait. When the hell did she begin to think about marriage? The blonde nudged her lightly to gain her attention.
"Zey will love you. Zere ees no way zey wouldn't." She felt the veela's embrace tighten and a feather-like kiss on her neck. "Now, do you wish to read zis research or do you rather 'ave me distracting you from your nonsensical worries?" She nipped Hermione's neck lightly to deliver her intentions with the second proposal.
"Uhm… What worries?" The brunette deadpanned while ensuring greater access to her neck. They both chuckled a little. "If you keep being like that I'm not sure I'll be able to let you go home by the end of the week, babe."
"You are my home," Fleur whispered in the lioness' ear.
"And people think veelas are simply feral beings. Who would think they can be so cheesy, sweet and smooth?" Hermione laughed.
"I'll 'ave you know zat we veelas are indeed feral. But only when we feel zreatened. And about zee rest, although you make eet sound like a bad zing, I'm well aware you liked eet."
"Oh, of course, I did. Having my gorgeous girlfriend calling me home is quite flattering. I'll have her know that I, too, consider her home. A beautiful, stunning, awesome home." Hermione smiled sweetly after kissing Fleur. "Now, shall we begin reading the letter? I'd like to enjoy the company of said girlfriend without the curiosity that is eating me from inside."
"Oui," The blonde accioed the letter, wandlessly. To what Hermione silently thanked. She wasn't willing to move from her place between the veela's legs. Yes, she noticed how awkward it sounded, even only in her mind. "Care to read eet aloud?"
"Why?" The brunette nodded nonetheless.
"For me to read I'd 'ave to move at zee risk of dislodging you. And zat seems absolutely wrong." Hermione smiled and broke the wax seal holding the envelope closed.
"We should read it all and then discuss it?" Hermione asked slipping into her serious, studious self. She felt the blonde nod, also quite serious and focused.
Every piece of information I gathered about similar bonds is listed here. After reading it all, Apolline, Armand and I discussed our findings. Our conclusions are listed at the end (the entries are chronologically organized, from the oldest I've found).
..
Year: 973
Ruud Clan, Norway.
Aimée (full female veela) and Gaelle (full female veela)
The register found simply describe a bond between the two of them, both fearless warriors. The clan was at war by the time they found each other, they were both leaders and therefore unable to fulfill the bond. Their warriors were able to see how much they complemented each other. As they later described to the author (usually one person was elected as the scribe), they were in complete harmony since the moment they crossed eyes. Some would say they were able to finish each other phrases right after they met. In battle, they fought as one, where one failed, the other excelled. In death (years later), they were as inseparable as they had been in life. They left the living realm as one, both their final breaths drawn at the exact same time.
..
Year: 1040
Falk Clan, Sweden.
Naya (full female veela) and Tascha (full female veela)
The history of this clan had great register of both of the mates, in this case. They were both known for their large prowess and magical ability. One known around most nearby villages for her impressive ability in healing, the other known for her enchantress capability. There's not much more information about them, the whole record has about two paragraphs, one talking about them and the other saying their bonding was unique as far as the veela community there had known. Apparently even before they were fully mated, they were able to feel each other's emotions and reach for the other mentally. They were, later, the leaders of the clan for a few years. Once again, it is said they both died at the exact same time.
..
Year: 1155
Leclair Clan, France.
Ysabeau (full female veela) and Mahi (half female veela)
The heir of a clan found her mate between their enemies. Both clans were at war, trying to conquer each other territory. This is the origin of the Leclair Clan. The bond shared between both of them managed to end the war. Their birth clans merged under their orientation. It says they understood each other instantly and that after the final bound they were often described as almost one being.
..
Year: 1394
Acerbi Clan, Italy.
Piero (full male veela) and Luigi (full male veela)
Not much about them. They were both absolutely in love with each other, according to their families. Apparently, they did not fully bound as the clan was at war at the time and was killed. Died a few days later.
..
Year: 1528
Losnedahl Clan, Norway.
Aleksander (full male veela) and Freydís (half female veela)
They were warriors from a distant village and happened to meet while coming back from a battle. She was the leader of her small clan and he was the commander among his warriors. Both having an important role for their people, they were not able to bond fully immediately. He left his town in order to be with her but even before they could truly bond, it was clear how merged their lives were. Again they died together.
..
Year: 1674
Royer Clan, France.
Katherine (half female veela) and Diane (half female veela)
Both women were known among their Clan for their intelligence and wit. Absolutely respected ever since they began school, they helped the clan grow and so were known as the councilors of their leader. Their bond made them able to understand each other even before they took the final step of the bound. They had known each other for quite a long time but only noticed they were mates long after finishing school. Those are the mates that we have the most information about. But even then we don't have much about them. The writer seems to have talked to them of known them personally. She describes them as a couple that could make any other couple in their town jealous as the seemed to never fight and always understand each other without having to utter a word. It was known that they both had an impressive magical capability and that they had taken part in at least one battle (and apparently almost died). Again, their bonding had a slow pace, therefore, they didn't really mate right away. Their harmony had been there ever since they realized they were mates, some would say even before.
..
Those were the only cases similar to yours I've found, dears. I have reached the clans in England but they have no written history about that. It seems the bond you share is incredibly rare and unique. As for the conclusions your parents and I came to, I'd say they are obviously scarce given the lack of information but we do have some, to begin with. After reading everything we found and compare them with all the information we have from regular bonding, we were able to understand that as far as we see this kind of bond is shared between mates that came across very dangerous and traumatic circumstances or mates that have very powerful (and well developed) magical core, which is obviously the case for you. Both are possibilities, if I'm being honest. Another possibility we have come to understand is that both of you will probably develop most if not every possible consequence of the veela bond as you two are indeed quite powerful in your magic. Part of the premature bond you share comes from Hermione's part as she apparently fully accepts and respects your true self (not only the human but the veela too). Given she is a human, the depth of the bond you have is almost unheard of because most humans are unable to fully understand and accept our animal side. Hermione is well respected among most magical creatures cultures given her need to understand and lack of judgement for our culture. As both of you must have noticed, in all the cases we have found the mates are at least part veela and that obviously makes your case even more unique. I won't discuss with you what conclusions we have come across about the mates passing as I understand it's quite blatant. I'm sorry I'm not able to give you better answers. See you during the holidays, I hope (Fleur, your mother is being insufferable saying at least you and Hermione must come to see us and that you better make time to come. Sorry about that I really thought I had raised her better.)
Love,
Grandmère
P.S.: I'm sure Fleur already told you that I demand you call me grandmère, Hermione. It's true.
As she finished reading, Hermione had a small smile plastered on her face.
"I told you, chéri. She won't let you call 'er by 'er given name." Fleur said, kissing the brunette's mane. The latter moved a little so she could directly look at the blonde.
"I have no idea of how my mum will treat you…"
"We 'ave already met, chér."
"Well, that's not what they said…"
"Excuse moi?"
"They say you have to be introduced as my girlfriend this time." Hermione smiled. "That's what she told me when I told her about you…"
"When did you talk to 'er? I assume you wouldn't simply say you were interested in a woman over letter."
"Uh… Remember I went home Sunday for my birthday?"
"So you were certain zat I would say yes?"
"I was hoping you would…" Hermione smiled and kissed the veela softly. Fleur hummed against her lips. "Now, about that offer to distract me…"
"Eet's always standing."
"Good." Hermione made one swift movement with her hand and the letters plus notebooks found their way to the desk nearby.
"Perfect, as always," Fleur stated, admiring how everything got into a neat pile right in the middle of the table.
"Where were we?" The lioness smiled at her girlfriend, accepting the praise. "Oh, right!" She leaned in and closed the (absurdly long, in her opinion) distance between them. A small moan escaped from Fleur's mouth as their lips touched.
About thirty minutes later, the duo descended the stairs and found their three friends bundled up in their favorite couch with a steamy mug on their hands.
Harry pointed at the table. "Dobby just brought them, he wanted to bring us something to wrap the day. Or so he says."
"I think he just wanted to make sure we were all fine." Ginny offered and both, Harry and Luna nodded.
Hermione took her mug and offered the other to Fleur, with a little smile. They already had their respective mugs, Dobby liked to bring them their favorites every now and then. The mugs were always on display on the shelf in the small kitchen they had. Six mugs, one for each and one for Moire as the girl came by sometimes. Looking at their mugs anyone could figure out to whom they belonged to. Hermione's was blue (in her opinion, the colour of Fleur's eyes), Fleur's was aged gold (the color of the lioness' eyes) - yes, they were cheesy like that -, Harry's was gold and crimson with a moving snitch, Ginny's had the Holyhead Harpies crest in it and bore the team's colors, and Luna's was plain blue and bronze. Hermione had charmed Moire's mug so it held Gryffindor's crest in a crimson background.
"He is spoiling us," Hermione said as she sat on the opposite couch with Fleur.
"'ow does 'e even know what our favorite drinks are?"
"I'd say he had help. From a little friend of ours from Diagon Ally…"
"Right…"
"Did you do any of this?" Hermione asked, pointing at the four piles of parchment.
"Nope, but Lun went through it." Gin answered, "Apparently, as you are usually the one that lends notes to whoever gets sick and I would say that no one has the ability to write as fast nor as much as you, we received the teachers' notes with everything that went to the blackboard and a transcript of the lessons…"
"McGonagall went all out making sure we had the best source to study… These transcription quills are quite expensive…" Luna added, airily.
Hermione got up after taking a sip from her cup and giving it to Fleur. She noticed they didn't question her movement, her friends knew her well. Taking the stash of parchment with her name over it, she sat back next to Fleur.
"Seems to be a lot of 'omework…" Fleur said after one look at the papers on the lioness hands.
"It's the normal amount to seventh years… With the N.E.W.T.s by the end of the school year…" Hermione said while going through it all, "And it's actually this week's worth. They are all due to next week… We have essays, with at least 35 inches each, to write about human transfiguration, veritaserum, and Merpeople. And quizzes about the first two… And I have 35 inches of runes to translate." She informed calmly.
"At least zee subjects are interesting…" Fleur smiled at them. "I might 'ave a few books you can use as research for zee merpeople essay… I know 'ow few zee library 'as and 'ow poor of information zey are…"
"Don't ever say that to Madam Pince, babe."
"Yes, she will take it as a personal offense…" Luna added, smiling.
"The last time someone had the nerve to say the place was poor of resources, she made sure to ban the poor girl from the premises for about a month." Ginny laughed. "I believe she was a Ravenclaw. The girl went around begging to people so they would borrow the books she needed. It was quite fun to watch. McGonagall took pity on her and persuaded Madam Pince to let her get back but I'm quite sure she had some fun watching the girl get desperate."
"I believe I saw her holding her laughter once… But before I could do a double take she had schooled her face…" Harry added.
"I don't think it's ok to mess with someone's education." Hermione scowled.
"Come on, 'Mione I saw you trying to control your laughter at least twice…" Harry smiled at her.
"Ees eet even possible? Banning a student from zee library, I mean."
"Not according to the school rules," Hermione answered, ignoring Harry.
"But no one likes to go against Madam Pince. Not even McGonagall." Ginny offered.
"Or Dumbledore. But I do believe he had a lot of fun when it happened." Harry added.
"By the end of the day, no one wants to be in her aim of wrath. And everyone basically accepts it's her library." Hermione concludes.
"Does she accept donations?" Fleur asked after absorbing the information about the librarian.
"Usually, yes. But I think the books need to go through the faculty's analysis." Hermione answered. "We should go to sleep…" She added, looking at the clock.
A/N: Hey guys! Sorry, it took me so long to update, life has been crazy... So, thoughts? I was thinking about adding some entries of their journals here and there, but I don't really know how it would work...
Please review, I'm always pleased to learn what you think!
;3
See Yah!
Shout out to Aussie who will be proofreading my chapters from now on... (I'll update the corrected chapter soon, I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer)
PS: Aussie: Thanks! (for everything)...
Wk: I'm worried too, Fleur can be absolutely protective.
Don't forget to breath: Welcome and thanks for reading!
PPS: Oh, right, my other story is up. So go read it (I managed to keep it shortish) hope you like, please review it!
PPPS: If you feel like sending me requests suggestions or prompts, feel free to reach me by PM or email me: celticdaughterfics (gmail)
